Communities should learn dynamics of stormwater runoff

Friday

Sep 25, 2009 at 12:01 AM

Communities tackle lots of issues, among the most critical next to finances, may well be stormwater management. Poor stormwater management can result in damages and liability issues that can set a community back beyond anticipation.

Communities tackle lots of issues, among the most critical next to finances, may well be stormwater management. Poor stormwater management can result in damages and liability issues that can set a community back beyond anticipation.

Just what is stormwater and why is it important? Stormwater is a term used to describe water coming from precipitation.

It may also be used to apply to water that originates with snowmelt or runoff water from overwatering that enters the stormwater system. Stormwater that does not soak into the ground becomes surface runoff, which either flows directly into surfaces or waterways or is channeled into storm sewers, which eventually discharges to surface waters.

Stormwater is of concern for two main reasons: one related to the volume and timing of runoff water flood control and water supplies) and the other related to potential contaminants that the water is carrying, i.e. water pollution. Taking time to learn about how and why stormwater issues may affect your community in a significant way should be on the list of all board members.

Because impervious surfaces parking lots, roads, buildings, compacted soil) do not allow rain to infiltrate into the ground, more runoff is generated than in the undeveloped condition. This additional runoff can erode watercourses streams and rivers) as well as cause flooding when the stormwater collection system is overwhelmed by the additional flow.

Pollutants entering surface waters during precipitation events is termed polluted runoff. Daily human activities result in deposition of pollutants on roads, lawns, roofs, farm fields, etc. When it rains or there is irrigation, water runs off and ultimately makes its way to a river, lake, or the ocean. While there is some physical disbursement of these pollutants before entering the receiving waters, the quantity of human activity results in large enough quantities of pollutants to impair these receiving waters.

How can you learn more about this issue and how it affects your community? The answer is closer than you think. Last Wednesday, Sept. 23, Community Associations Institute's Pocono Council presented a program on Stormwater Management at Hemlock Farms Community Associations.Expect more in the future.

There is a program unrelated to CAI titled "Managing Rainwater on Your Property" on Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Delaware Township Building, 116 Wilson Hill Road, Dingmans Ferry.